Helicobacter pylori: a poor man's gut pathogen?

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is one of the human pathogens with highest prevalence around the world; yet, its principal mode of transmission remains largely unknown. The role of H. pylori in gastric disease and cancer has not been established until the end of the 20th century. Since then, its epidemiology has been extensively studied, and an accruing body of literature suggests that not all humans are equally at risk of infection by this gut pathogen. Here, we briefly review the different epidemiological aspects of H. pylori infection with emphasis on those factors related to human poverty. The epidemiology of H. pylori infection is characterized by marked differences between developing and developed countries, notably among children. In addition, congruent lines of evidence point out to socioeconomic factors and living standards as main determinants of the age-dependent acquisition rate of H. pylori, and consequently its prevalence. These data are alarming in the light of the changing global climate and birth rate, which are expected to change the demography of our planet, putting more children at risk of H. pylori and its complications for years to come.

Helicobacter pylori eradication in Western Australia using novel quadruple therapy combinations

“…5 In general, H. pylori prevalence is higher in lower socioeconomic groups, institutionalised individuals and those who have migrated from the developing world. 6,7 In Australia, the prevalence of H. pylori was reported to be between 25% and 35% 8,9 and the rate of failure to eradicate H. pylori has recently gradually increased. [10][11][12] In addition, there has been a significant increase in the number of migrants coming to Australia from the neighbouring developing countries.…”

Worldwide Population Structure, Long-Term Demography, and Local Adaptation of Helicobacter pylori

“…In developing countries, H. pylori transmission seems to happen preferentially but not exclusively among individuals who are closely related or living together (Schwarz et al 2008;Didelot et al 2013). However, in developed countries, improved hygienic conditions have decreased H. pylori prevalence, and transmission occurs primarily between family members, especially from mothers to children (Bures et al 2006;Chen et al 2007;Khalifa et al 2010;Krebes et al 2014). Further, an important epidemiological factor is that a human host is normally infected with H. pylori within the first 5 years of life and, unless treated, infection persists the entire host lifespan.…”

Detection of gastric Helicobacter spp. in stool samples of dogs with gastritis

“…However, this is immensely difficult. Helicobacter pylori was successfully cultured in one adult and seven children in Gambia and 12 adults in the United Kingdom (Brown 2000, Khalifa et al 2010. Ekman et al (2013) argue that it is highly unlikely for canine gastric Helicobacter spp.…”

“…Due to the high incidence of Helicobacter spp. in the stomachs of animals, they are considered to be a potential risk factor in transmitting the infection to humans (Kusters et al 2006, Khalifa et al 2010, Abdi et al 2014. It is thought that the faecal-oral mode of transmission occurs less frequently than oral-oral transmission.…”

“…can be direct, i.e. oral-oral, faecal-oral or gastro-oral as well as indirect, through contaminated food, water and poorly disinfected endoscopic equipment (Brown 2000, van Duynhoven and de Jonge 2001, Kusters et al 2006, Khalifa et al 2010). Due to the high incidence of Helicobacter spp.…”